This retractable USB-C charger is my new favorite travel accessory (and it's on sale)

ZDNET's key takeaways

• Baseus' Free2Pull Retractable USB-C cables come in a 60W or 100W version, and are on sale for $16 and $14 respectively.
• Their clever retractable design makes charging at home or on the go easier than ever.
• If you're looking for a USB-C cord longer than 6.6 ft, these won't be for you.

Perhaps one of the most interesting things about working in tech is watching products like phones, tablets, and smart home gear rocket toward the future by pushing the boundaries of innovation, while other items stay largely the same. 

Also: This ultra-thin battery pack I tested is a must-have travel gadget (and it works with MagSafe)

Sure, cords, cables, and adapters have become more durable and better at providing faster and safer charging, but their overall design hasn't really undergone much of a radical facelift over the years. That is, until I found Baseus' Free2Pull retractable USB-C cables.

Baseus has eliminated tangled cords and made traveling even easier, all in one go. They offer two versions of their retractable USB-C cords: a 100W model, designed for larger tech products and quicker charging, and a 60W iteration, perfect for phones or smaller tech items. Both are 3.3 feet long, and use the same retractable technology with locking stops (similar to a retractable tape measure), so you can customize your cord length. 

The only differences are, of course, the wattage and minor differences in the appearance. The 100W version has a larger circumference and a glossy front face with a matte-like back. The 60W model is plastic all around. They both come in four colors: White, Black, Blue, and Purple. 

A close up of the 60W Free2Pull with both its USB-C ends exposed.

Kayla Solino/ZDNET

They both cost under $30, too, and are even on sale at both Baseus and Amazon (the 60W is 20% off at Baseus during their Halloween sale and 15% off on Amazon, and the 100W is 42% off at Baseus or up to 32% off on Amazon), making them thoughtful purchases for a loved one ahead of the holiday season. 

I don't know about you, but I will be purchasing several of these for stocking stuffers because they're such useful gifts and not something silly that could easily end up in the trash for being impractical. 

The cords easily pull and lock when desired, fit into your pocket, and are ultra-handy. Plus, if you'd like a longer cord, the 100W is available in a 6.6ft version. I immediately added one of these to my travel kit to have on hand at all times because they're the perfect charging essential. Plus, they'd be great "emergency" items in cars, office drawers, outdoor packs, purses, or diaper bags.

Also: The Sandisk Extreme Pro 2TB Portable SSD is still on sale at Amazon

Rolling up the cable talk (see what I did there?), everyone knows that carrying a cable often won't do you any good without a charger. Don't fret; Baseus has an uber-portable 45W GaN charger that works well with these Free2Pull retractable cables. 

The PicoGo GaN USB-C Charger 45W offers 3x faster charging, is 54% smaller than the original iteration, uses graphene for heat dissipation, and is compatible with phones, laptops, tablets, and more. Plus, it's 10% off at Baseus and 33% off right now at Amazon in the Black color. 

ZDNET's buying advice 

If it weren't already obvious, I recommend these for their sheer usefulness, and they're super giftable. Also, they're affordable with or without a sale. My only concern is that Baseus doesn't offer a Lightning version to accompany older Apple products, but since most tech is shifting to USB-C for easy compatibility, I can't blame them. 

If you need more of a reason to swipe up these USB-C accessories, they're on sale for up to 42% off between Baseus and Amazon. Shop the Free2Pull Retractable USB-C Cable 100W, the Free2Pull Mini Retractable USB-C Cable 60W, and the PicoGo GaN USB-C Charger 45W ahead of the holiday season and never lose your cords (or your sanity trying to untangle them) again.